Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Local newspapers have carried news of the developments of metric taxis introduction in the Sultanate of Oman. The reports - as of yet unconfirmed - says that these new taxis would be introduced by the end of September, 2007.

Here is, though, where it gets quite interesting for those who are looking forward to come to Oman and would rather use the means of public transformation than having to rent a car because their stay isn't long enough. These new taxis will have already been charged up by a small amount of 200-300 baizas and then after that an extra 100 baizas for every kilometre ($US 1= 0.385 RO).

There are currently two types of taxis available in the Sultanate of Oman; the first goes by the mood or rather the conscience of the taxi driver while the other type is metric but charges up its meter initially by 1.600 Rials (as told to me by someone who uses them frequently).

So, all in all, it seems that people who will be using this new taxi system will benefit a great deal, not to mention a great service as all of these new taxis will have air conditioners; proper seat covers and a dispatch system for you to call them at a place of your convience.

Although, these taxis will not be included in the pricing scheme to hotels, and will intially only operate in the Muscat region pending its success.

5
comments:

mandy
said...

It really is about time to be honest, I am totally fed up with being charged 'skin tax' when trying to negotiate a taxi. Getting a cab from any of the hotels has climbed to ridiculous proportions where the drivers are bloody down right rude and look at you with contempt when you consider trying to get a decent fare!

It's now risen to 4 OR from the Intercon to PDO camp which is absolute nonsense.

I remember many years ago when you had to negotiate the price of a taxi in Dubai which was always rathe painful, it's much more user friendly now. The standard of the taxis is much higher, I used to put my nose into the taxi and if it was too stinkie I used to tell him to drive off!

Before anyone comments on how it is all relative to salary blah de blah. I am sure there will still be other means of transport including the baisa buses for anyone who wishes to take a less expensive mode of transport.

sleepless in muscat: yeah, I still use Taxis :-p .. I'm looking forward to getting my driving license as soon as I finish exams inshallah. And for the car, if I end up studying here next year, I will get a car inshallah.

The sooner the better...!!! Hotels are a notorious taxi rip-off as is the corniche where on occasion I've even intervened in negotiations i've overhead between taxi drivers and tourists. Some of the prices I've heard quoted have been shocking !!!

VerveEarth

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